US appeals court has overturned an earlier order that would have forced the Trump administration to reopen the 2027 Green Card Lottery.
What exactly did the court decide?
The events happened in this order:
October 14, 2026
A US District Court judge ordered the State Department to reopen the DV-2027 lottery.
October 29, 2026
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals suspended that order.
October 30, 2026
Kenyan media reported the appeals court decision and its implications for Kenyan applicants.
What does this mean for Kenya?
1. No DV-2027 registration for now: The earlier order requiring reopening has been suspended. Registration has not opened.
2. Kenyans lose an expected immigration opportunity: Prospective applicants cannot currently rely on the DV-2027 lottery opening as previously anticipated.
3. Existing Green Cards are not cancelled: This ruling concerns reopening the lottery, not revoking permanent residency already granted.
4. The legal battle may continue: The appeals court’s decision does not necessarily end every possible legal challenge.
